"Smoking Gun": Richard Nixon and Bob Haldeman discuss the Watergate break-in, June 23, 1972

The White House Tapes Conversation 741-002, recorded on June 23, 1972, reveals a discussion between President Richard Nixon and Bob Haldeman about the ongoing FBI investigation into the Democratic National Committee break-in. Haldeman expresses concern over the FBI's progress in tracing money linked to the break-in, suggesting that the investigation is reaching areas they prefer to keep hidden. To control the situation, they propose having CIA officials intervene to limit the FBI's probe, fearing further exposure of their involvement. The conversation highlights their strategy to mitigate the political fallout and manage internal pressures.

• The discussion centers around the investigation of the Democratic National Committee break-in, highlighting the challenges faced due to the lack of control over the FBI.
• The investigation is progressing in directions unfavorable to the administration, particularly due to the tracing of money through bank sources and unexpected informants providing critical information.
• The conversation reveals concerns about photographic evidence linked to the break-in, which could potentially incriminate involved parties.

"The FBI is not under control, because Gray doesn't exactly know how to control them, and they have -- their investigation is now leading into some productive areas because they've been able to trace the money, not through the money itself, but through the bank, you know, sources -- the banker himself."

• This quote underscores the administration's concern about the FBI's independent progress in the investigation, which is leading to potentially damaging discoveries.

"An informant came in off the street to the FBI in Miami, who, uh, who was a photographer or has a friend who is a photographer who developed some films through this guy Barker, and the films had, uh, pictures of Democratic National Committee letterhead documents and things."

• Here, the emergence of an unexpected informant with potentially incriminating photographic evidence is highlighted, posing a significant threat to the administration's efforts to control the investigation.

• Mitchell and John Dean propose a strategy to mitigate the investigation's progress by leveraging internal influence to obstruct further inquiry.
• The recommendation involves direct intervention by having Walters instruct Pat Gray to cease further investigation into certain areas, indicating an attempt to suppress the investigation's findings.

"Mitchell came up with yesterday, and John Dean analyzed very carefully last night and concludes, concurs now with Mitchell's recommendation that the only way to solve this -- and we're set up beautifully to do it."

• This quote reflects the calculated approach being considered to manage the investigation by using internal influence and connections.

"The way to handle this now is for us to have Walters call Pat Gray and just say, 'Stay the hell out of this. This is, ah -- there's some business here we don't want you to go any further on it.'"

• The quote explicitly outlines the proposed action to directly instruct the FBI to halt further investigation, showcasing the administration's intent to obstruct justice.

• The conversation reveals concerns about FBI and CIA roles in an ongoing investigation.
• Pat Gray and Mark Felt are key figures; Gray is uncertain about proceeding, while Felt is ambitious and willing to cooperate.
• There is a suggestion to signal that the investigation should be stalled, aligning with some agents' belief that the situation involves the CIA.

"Pat does want to. He doesn't know how to, and he doesn't have, he doesn't have any basis for doing it. Given this, he will then have the basis."

• Indicates Pat Gray's willingness to act but highlights his lack of a clear directive or justification.

"He'll call Mark Felt in, and the two of them -- and Mark Felt wants to cooperate because he's ambitious."

• Suggests that Mark Felt's ambition makes him a willing participant in the plan to manage the investigation's direction.

"We've, we've got the signal from across the river to, to put the hold on this."

• Implies an external directive or influence suggesting the need to slow down or halt the investigation.

• The conversation discusses the tracing of money linked to the investigation, identifying Ken Dahlberg as a key figure.
• Dahlberg's $25,000 donation is traced to a person named Barker, with implications of further connections through Texas and Mexican banks.
• The tracing efforts are ongoing, with expectations of uncovering more names involved.

"But they've traced the money to whom?"

• Reflects the inquiry into the financial trail and its significance in the investigation.

"Ken Dahlberg. He's a -- he gave $25,000 in Minnesota and, ah, the check went directly in to this, to this guy Barker."

• Identifies Ken Dahlberg as a pivotal figure due to his financial contribution and its direct link to the investigation's subject.

"It's directly traceable and there's some more through some Texas people in -- that went to the Mexican bank, which they can also trace to the Mexican bank."

• Highlights the complexity and international scope of the financial transactions being scrutinized.

• There is a discussion about the potential lack of cooperation from involved parties and how they might respond.
• The conversation hints at the strategic considerations regarding how to manage or influence these responses.

"Well, I mean, ah, there's no way -- I'm just thinking, if they don't cooperate, what do they say?"

• Raises concerns about the potential non-cooperation of individuals and the implications for the investigation's progress.

• Discussion centers around the necessity of White House instructions to control the situation.
• Key figures mentioned for involvement include Helms and Walters.
• Ehrlichman and Haldeman are proposed to be the ones to communicate the instructions.

"They say the only way to do that is a White House instruction. And it's got to be to Helms and -- ah, what's his name? Walters."

• The quote indicates the belief that direct instructions from the White House are essential to manage the unfolding situation.

"And the proposal would be that Ehrlichman and I call them in."

• This quote highlights the proposed plan for Ehrlichman and Haldeman to directly engage with Helms and Walters to issue necessary instructions.

• Discussion reveals a concern for protecting Helms from potential fallout.
• Acknowledgment of past efforts to shield Helms from various issues.

"Well, we protected Helms from one hell of a lot of things."

• This quote suggests a history of efforts to protect Helms, indicating his importance or vulnerability in the situation.

• There is a concern about uncovering sensitive information if certain actions are taken.
• Acknowledgement that exposure could lead to detrimental consequences.

"When you open that scab, there's a hell of a lot of things that 'we just feel that this would be very detrimental to have this thing go any further.'"

• This quote reflects a fear of exposing underlying issues that could lead to negative repercussions if not contained.

• The conversation touches on the involvement of Cubans, Hunt, and others.
• Mention of Mitchell's possible knowledge of the situation without specific details.

"This involves these Cubans, and Hunt, and a lot of hanky-panky that we have nothing to do with, ourselves."

• The quote indicates the involvement of various individuals and groups, distancing the speakers from direct involvement.

"Well, what the hell, did Mitchell know about this thing to much of a degree?"

• This quote questions the extent of Mitchell's knowledge, suggesting he was aware but not fully informed of all details.

• Liddy is identified as a potential key player, with questions about his mental state.
• There is skepticism about Liddy's actions and decisions.

"Well, who was the asshole who did that? Is it Liddy? Is that the fellow? He must be a little nuts."

• This quote identifies Liddy as a central figure in the situation, questioning his judgment and decision-making abilities.

• Discussion about the pressure being exerted to gather more information.
• Mitchell's involvement and influence are highlighted as a point of concern.
• The conversation reflects an understanding of the internal pressures and dynamics at play.

"No, but he was under pressure, apparently, to get more information, and as he got more pressure, he pushed the people harder to move harder."

• This quote indicates that there was significant pressure to obtain information, leading to increased efforts by those involved.

"Pressure from Mitchell?"

• President Nixon's inquiry about Mitchell suggests that Mitchell was a central figure in applying pressure for more information.

• The FBI's decision to interview Colson is discussed as a strategic move.
• The FBI's investigation considered two main possibilities: a White House operation or involvement by the Cubans and CIA.
• After Colson's interrogation, the FBI leaned towards the CIA's involvement.

"The FBI interviewed Colson yesterday. They determined that would be a good thing to do."

• The FBI's decision to interview Colson was seen as a necessary step in their investigation.

"The FBI guys working the case had concluded that there were one or two possibilities."

• The FBI narrowed down the possibilities to either a White House operation or external involvement by the Cubans and CIA.

"After their interrogation of Colson, they concluded it was not the White House, so they are now convinced it is a CIA thing."

• This conclusion reflects the FBI's shift in focus from the White House to the CIA following Colson's interrogation.

• President Nixon expresses reluctance to become closely involved with Helms and the CIA.
• Nixon instructs Haldeman to maintain a tough stance, mirroring the approach of others involved.

"Well, I'm not sure of Helms. I'm not going to get that closely involved."

• Nixon's statement shows his intention to distance himself from direct involvement with Helms and the CIA.

"Play it tough. That's the way they play it, and that's the way we're going to play it."

• Nixon's directive to Haldeman emphasizes a strategic approach of toughness in handling the situation, reflecting the adversarial nature of the circumstances.